PSAT Registration Due Tues., Dec. 1

The PSAT test this year will be held Tues., Jan. 26, 2021, 8am-12:30pm at The Oaks. The January test date, offered this year only, may allow for a better testing environment for our students so we are taking advantage of the opportunity from the CollegeBoard. This administration date will have the same benefits as the usual October PSAT/NMSQT test date, including eligibility for programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The Oaks requires all juniors to take the PSAT test; sophomores and freshmen are welcome to take it if they choose. To register please turn in the completed registration form (attached below) and $18 registration fee to the school office by Tues., Dec. 1. For questions, please contact Mrs. Gibson.

PSAT Registration Form

Uniform Notes - Blazers, Skirt/Skort Length, Outerwear, & Formal Uniform Tights

Students are looking so sharp in their new uniform pieces! As we adapt to the new policy, both new and returning families should read the updated policy over carefully. Of particular note:

• Blazers -- Seeing the rhetoric students attired in their new blazers is wonderful! Many thanks to Mr. Charlie Dowers for his work in making the purchase of these blazers possible.
• Skirt/Skort Length -- We are grateful that switching to Lands' End for our skirt/skort provider has made it easier to obtain garments in various lengths and styles that fit and flatter different body types. When the ladies' skirts or skorts are too short for their frames or too snug around their waists, it is easy for the garment to get pulled up by backpacks or to ride up in front or back and to become immodest. Moms and dads, would you please check that your daughter's skirts or skorts are properly sized? Our uniform policy specifies knee-length as the target sizing goal. Thankfully, Lands' End customer service agents can provide you with sizing help to determine which skirts or skorts can best work for your daughter and they are willing to help with exchanges if your current item does not fit properly. Thank you for attending to this matter!
• Outerwear -- As the current policy states, during the school day, secondary students may only wear outerwear items included in the uniform policy. "The school day" includes the time when students arrive on campus until they leave - unless they are changing into clothes for a particular extra-curricular activity that requires different attire after school. When the days become frigid such that warm winter coats are required, those may be worn into the school building and then stowed in students' lockers until the end of the day. *Update: To help accommodate students' transition to this policy, students have until the 1st day of the 2nd quarter to fully comply. Until that time, students will be allowed to wear non-uniform outerwear when necessary for being outdoors during the school day.
• Formal Uniform Tights -- For our school pictures, upcoming on Nov. 20th, ladies should plan to wear black tights (instead of flesh-toned nylons or footies) along with the proper shoes (please note that the parameters for formal uniform shoes have changed from last year). We can't wait to see all of the rhetoric students attired in their new blazers on picture day!

Finding a Fit College - A Note from Mrs. Gibson

10th-12th Grade Students & Parents - If you are college-minded and have an hour during this Thanksgiving break, I encourage you to watch this helpful video: "Tips on Choosing a Best-Fit College and a Major." I have been in touch with both panelists, one from Messiah College and the other from Delaware County Christian School. Their information is presented in a clear and succinct manner. The only aspect of their webinar that was not emphasized is the importance of considering the "spiritual fit" of a college or university. To address that important conversation, I have attached my own document on finding a "Fit College." I would be happy to discuss any of these ideas with you; simply reach out and we can schedule a time to meet. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Lynn Gibson, Director of College & Career Counseling

Finding a Fit College